In recent years, Great Britain (one of the countries included in the so-called Big Five, which is guaranteed to appear in the final immediately) did not send big stars to Eurovision, and they were represented in the competition by performers at the beginning of their careers. Except in 2022 when Sam Ryder with the song “Space Man” (Look!) was second, the performances in recent years have brought only disappointment to Eurovision fans on the Thames. In the 21st century, British representatives finished the competition in last place five times, and managed to reach the top ten only three times.
The hope to change this state of affairs was election Olly Alexanderwho will present the song in Malmö, Sweden “Dizzy” (check!). This is his solo debut under his own name and surname.
“I’ve wanted to do it (go to Eurovision – editor’s note) for many years. In fact, since I was a child. I almost entered the pre-selection several times, but each time my song was too weak. Now I feel that my time has come” – announced the singer before the premiere, revealing that the new song will not be a ballad.
When it was announced that the 33-year-old singer was still known as the leader Years & Years (initially a band, recently a one-man project) will represent Great Britain, the country’s ratings have skyrocketed in bookmakers. By mid-January, it was even seen as a candidate for the winner of the entire competition. Recently, he has been given slightly fewer chances (the vast majority of participants have already presented their proposals), but he is still among the favorites.
“This is the dark horse of the competition”, “Ladies and gentlemen, this is the winner of Eurovision 2024”, “Hicior!”, “It was worth the wait” – Internet users are delighted.
“It’s about the overwhelming feeling of love for someone that is so intense that it turns your world upside down. I’m so proud of this song and the video, I can’t wait to start this new chapter, honestly I’m so excited!! Thank you for support me and my gay dreams!! I’m ten years into my pop music career and boy am I not done yet! I promise I’ll do my best and I’m sending you all my love and dizziness (reference to the title “Dizzy”)” – wrote Olly Alexander on Instagram.
He is the co-author of the song “Dizzy”. Danny L Harlecomposer and producer working with many stars (including Charli XCX, Skrillex, Flume, Liam Gallagher, Rina Sawayma). He is the co-creator of the last hit singles she sang Dua Lipa (“Houdini” and “Training Season”). This year, he received a Grammy nomination for producing the album Caroline Polachek “Desire, I Want To Turn Into You”.
“Congratulations to Olly Alexander, who will perform at Eurovision 2024. I can’t wait to see you with the British flag and how you show your extraordinary talent at this competition. I will be supporting you,” he said. EltonJohnwith whom the musician had the opportunity to cooperate.
Olly Alexander became famous as a member of the group Years & Years, which had many hits in Poland – it also performed in our country several times. The debut album Y&Y was released in 2012, and three years later the album “Kings” was released, which became popular not only in Great Britain, but also in other European countries.
The group boasts five singles that have landed in the Top 10 of the British charts. Due to their considerable popularity on the Internet (6.5 million views on YouTube), they received a special BRIT award. In Great Britain, the singer is considered an icon of the LGBT+ community.
Olly Alexander is also known as an actor – he appeared in the series “It’s a Sin”and with Elton John sang a new version of the famous hit in 2021 Pet Shop Boys. Due to the cooperation, a friendship was born between the artists.
– You know, every time we see each other, I have to pinch myself. I want to cherish these moments, remember each one forever. He is such a legend! I hang on every word he says and he is always such a sweet and great guy. By the way, he called me two days ago just to say “Hi”. I never thought I would have such a connection with Elton John. It’s really great for me. And he also told me about George (Michael – note), what a nice man he was. Apparently he’s always nice to everyone. Now Elton is also such a person – said the singer in an interview with Interia before the concert at Open’er Festival 2022.
It is already known that 37 countries will take part in the competition during Eurovision 2024 in Malmö. The final of the competition (with the participation of Olly Alexander) will take place on May 11. The semi-finals are scheduled for May 7 and 9 – in the first one, the representative of Poland will fight for advancement Glow with a song “The Tower”.